Wolves have been handed a further boost in pursuit of Dario Osorio with Universidad de Chile’s head coach admitting that the winger may have to be sold this summer.
Just last week, Universidad’s sporting director – Manuel Mayo – admitted that the 19-year-old’s departure was likely to be a case of ‘when’ rather than ‘if’.
Dario Osorio’s form has left a lot to be desired during the start of the new Chilean league season. But Wolves and others are still very much on the trail of a player who came close to joining during the summer of 2022; the Express and Star reporting that the twinkle-toed teenager remains on the radar.
Osorio scored seven goals during an outstanding breakthrough campaign last year.
And while Universidad coach Mauricio Pellegrino would obviously rather retain a player who has been labelled the ‘new Angel di Maria’ in some quarters, the former Southampton boss accepts that Osorio’s sale may be something of a necessity, having spoken with Mayo about the youngster’s future.
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“We depend on the club’s budget. The club told us that it’s very difficult to sign players if we do not sell Dario Osorio,” Pellegrino tells D13. “That is the reality.”
“WWith Manuel Mayo and the president, we agree on many aspects. And the most important thing here is that it is a difficult time to sign players. That is what the club told me.
“Squads are always subject to improvement, but improving a squad is very difficult. It is clear that there is something higher than the wishes of the coach, which is the economic budget.”
A left-footed right winger who loves to cut inside and fire off shots from the edge of the area, Osorio’s speed and powerful long-range efforts have also drawn comparisons with one Gareth Bale.
“I think that when he stands out more is when he plays like Gareth Bale; freer and behind a more centralised, number nine with him on the wing,” Universidad legend Johnny Herrera argues.
“He’s half a Gareth Bale lookalike.”
Wolves could face competition from West Ham; The Sun reporting that the Hammers are lining up a potential £7.5 million bid.
David Moyes’ side failed with an opening offer of £5.5 million late last year. Herrera claims to have heard from the Universidad bosses that Leicester City also made an approach of their own.